BRADENTON, FL – In July, Goodwill Manasota and the Bradenton Marauders partnered on “Star Wars Night” during a game at LECOM Park. The event raised nearly $1,300 through a Star Wars-themed jersey auction; the funds will support Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program.

Numerous members of the public dressed up as their favorite Star Wars characters and received a special thank you if they showed a receipt indicating their costume came from Goodwill. A Goodwill gift certificate was awarded to the winner of the Star Wars costume contest. All attendees enjoyed fireworks after the game.

“Goodwill is extremely grateful to the Bradenton Marauders, who are generous partners and a wonderful asset to our community,” said Goodwill Manasota vice president Veronica Brandon Miller. “We thank the Marauders for their ongoing contributions to Goodwill and the community.”

The Marauders are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and a member of the Florida State League.

“We are proud to partner with Goodwill Manasota to raise awareness and funds for its important mission,” said Marauders general manager Rachelle Madrigal. “The Bradenton Marauders are grateful to be a part of such a philanthropic and caring community and feel privileged to show our support through programs like this.”

For more about Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2016, Goodwill Manasota served 28,207 people, placed 755 people in jobs and assisted 240 Veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 40 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.

About the Bradenton Marauders
The Marauders are currently playing their eighth season of Florida State League baseball in Bradenton. The team plays 70 home games each season at historic LECOM Park. For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.